The Chlorella Cell Wall From Structural Diversity and Biosynthesis to Disruption and Biotechnological Applications.

Authors

Hanju Lee, Soyeong Nam, Bae Young Choi, Sooje Park, Minseong Son, Chang Hun Shin, Yasuyo Yamaoka

Published in

Journal of microbiology and biotechnology. Volume 36. Pages e2608025. Oct 29, 2026. Epub Oct 29, 2026.

Abstract

Chlorella is an important microalgal platform for sustainable biotechnology, but its chemically resistant and structurally heterogeneous cell wall can restrict genetic transformation, intracellular product recovery, digestibility, and biomass utilization. This review synthesizes current knowledge of cell walls in Chlorella and related Chlorella-like algae, integrating taxonomic and phylogenetic context with composition, architecture, biosynthesis, developmental and environmental remodeling, analytical considerations, disruption strategies, and applications. Reported walls contain variable proportions of glucose-, rhamnose-, mannose-, and glucosamine-containing polymers, proteins, and, in some lineages, highly resistant outer components. Their architecture and physicochemical properties vary among species, strains, growth phases, and cultivation conditions, affecting rigidity, permeability, and extractability. Genomic and biochemical evidence suggests that wall formation involves broadly conserved glycan-related and secretory functions together with lineage-divergent glucan-, glycoprotein-, and chitin-chitosan-related machinery, although most candidate biosynthetic and remodeling enzymes remain functionally uncharacterized. Interpretation of wall composition requires careful distinction among intact cells, whole biomass, isolated walls, and extracted fractions, because monosaccharide composition alone does not establish polymer identity. Enzymatic permeabilization is generally most compatible with viable-cell transformation, whereas chemical, physical, enzymatic, and hybrid treatments can improve intracellular product recovery, with efficiencies strongly dependent on species and process conditions. Wall-rich residues may also serve as sources of fermentable carbohydrates, biosorbent surfaces, and functional materials. A strain- and lineage-resolved understanding of wall structure and biosynthesis will be essential for developing tunable wall properties that balance cultivation robustness with downstream accessibility.

PMID:
43021679
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 13 Nov 2026.

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